Bernie by Design

23/06/2026

A beautiful piece with an interesting history…

21/06/2026

The shimmer of Pearls and some interesting facts about them

Pearls are timeless classics and are prized for their luminous glow. Whether you’re drawn to large South Seas, dramatic Tahitians, bright akoyas or colorful freshwater pearls, here are key factors to consider when evaluating a pearl:

Size: South Sea pearls are typically the largest, reaching 15mm or more. Akoyas over 9mm are considered large.
Shape: While round pearls are the most valuable, off-round strands can look round from a distance and baroque strands can make for affordable statement pieces.
Color: Overtone, orient and popular bodycolors such as deep gold can increase the beauty and value of pearls.
Luster: This is one of the most important value factors for pearls. South Seas are known for their soft, satiny glow, while akoyas are known for their bright, mirror-like shine.
Surface: This refers to whether the pearl has any surface blemishes such as dimples and scratches. High surface quality pearls should be smooth and clean.
Nacre: Consider the continuity, thickness, and condition of a pearl’s nacre when evaluating pearl quality. Avoid pearls that appear dull or chalky, or where the nucleus is visible beneath the nacre.
Matching: In a well-matched strand, pearls should be consistent in key quality factors—especially luster, shape and surface. Designers may occasionally mix colors or use graduated sizes for artistic or unique effects.

Learn how to evaluate the best pearls for you: https://bit.ly/4vLf334

23/05/2026

Some gemstones are rare… but some carry history beneath the waves. 🌊⚓💚

This extraordinary emerald is believed to trace back to the legendary 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet — a reminder that nature can create beauty, and history can make it unforgettable.

After centuries lost beneath the ocean, treasures like these continue to capture the imagination with their rich colour, remarkable journey, and timeless allure.

Would you wear a gemstone with a story like this? ✨

14/05/2026

The hidden beauty inside gemstones 💎

09/05/2026

Celebrating all mums and mothering rolls 💕

03/05/2026

Meet benitoite: California’s ultra-rare state gem ✨

Discovered in 1907 in San Benito County, benitoite remains one of the rarest gemstones in the world — with California still the only source of gem-quality material. Despite its scarcity, it rivals some of the most celebrated gems for brilliance. When expertly cut, benitoite displays remarkable fire, scattering flashes of rainbow colour much like a diamond.

But its beauty doesn’t stop there. Under UV light, it reveals a glowing chalky blue-white fluorescence, adding another layer of intrigue for collectors. Geologically, it’s just as fascinating — a rare barium titanium silicate often found nestled alongside inky black neptunite crystals within white natrolite, creating striking natural contrast.

Fine benitoite is rarely seen in larger sizes, with clean stones over 1 carat considered uncommon and anything above 2–3 carats truly exceptional. While durable enough for jewellery, its moderate hardness means it’s best suited to pieces designed for more mindful wear.

A gemstone of rarity, brilliance, and unmistakable character — benitoite is a true collector’s treasure.

29/04/2026

For the ❤️🥰😍 of Pearls

26/04/2026

Emeralds are known for their beautiful, natural inclusions — in fact, it’s part of what makes each one so unique. To enhance their clarity, many emeralds are treated with natural oils or resins that gently fill tiny surface-reaching cracks, helping the stone appear clearer and more vibrant.

Over time, these natural fillers can change — especially if exposed to heat, chemicals, or even everyday cleaning. When that happens, the emerald can reveal fascinating internal features once again.

This Zambian emerald is a perfect example. Within a small fissure, you can see remarkable tiny, disc-like patterns lining the surface — an unusual and captivating detail that tells a story of both nature and treatment.

✨ Nature, craftsmanship, and time — all captured inside a single gemstone.

⸻

🔍 A closer look:
• Emerald clarity is often enhanced with natural oils or resins
• These fillers can shift or break down over time
• Heat, chemicals, or cleaning can affect the treatment
• Internal features may become more visible as the filler changes
• Unique patterns like these tiny discs make every stone one-of-a-kind

24/04/2026

From the soft romance of pastel peach and blush lotus to the rich, fiery intensity of lotus flame and vermilion glow, padparadscha sapphires captivate with one of the most unique colour ranges in the gem world.

Often described as a delicate balance between pink and orange, their beauty lies in this perfect harmony — a colour that feels almost impossible to replicate. The finer the balance and saturation, the rarer the stone becomes.

What makes padparadscha sapphires so special?
• A rare blend of pink and orange — neither dominant, perfectly balanced
• Found in only a handful of locations worldwide (Sri Lanka being the most renowned)
• Highly limited supply, especially in finer saturated colours
• Each stone is completely unique — no two are ever the same
• Among the most sought-after and collectible coloured gemstones

A gemstone where rarity, colour, and nature’s artistry come together in perfect harmony ✨

From the soft, delicate tones of Pastel Peach and Blush Lotus to the deep, fiery saturation of Lotus Flame and Vermilion Glow, each shade represents a different level of geographic rarity and mineral purity.